This post by New Republic was one of many articles published in 2016 emphasizing the prominence of hearing loss among veterans. Hearing loss currently represents the leading disability for veterans (leading even PTSD).

In fact, the Department of Veteran Affairs states that 60 percent of those returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan (approximately 600,000) have irreparable hearing loss or tinnitus.

Now that awareness has been raised, the military is working on developing helmets that minimize loud blasts while amplifying ambient sound.

We’re fortunate to witness several stories each year about people overcoming hearing loss to achieve extraordinary things. But from time to time one story comes along that reminds us of what is possible with the right frame of mind and determination.

Caroline Aufgebauer, a high school senior, worked around her hearing loss to learn not one, not two, but three different languages. She speaks English, Spanish, and Latin (earning special recognition for her performance on the national Spanish exam) and has a basic understanding of German.

That, by the way, makes her trilingual in spite of a condition that makes speech comprehension very difficult.

This inspiring story is about how photographer Kate Disher-Quill finally came to accept her hearing loss and embrace and love her hearing aids.

Kate’s project, Right Hear, Right Now, is designed to empower people to accept and embrace their differences. It’s something she wishes she had access to when she was younger, something that could have inspired her to accept her own hearing loss sooner than she did.

12. When silencing phantom noises is a matter of science

The investigation for the cure for tinnitus continued in 2016, with multiple encouraging developments.

Tinnitus is tough to diagnose and treat, and the best treatments currently available either cover up the sound or guide the patient on how to cope with the sound.

But now researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered the first gene that might be able to prevent tinnitus.

As we find out more about how the brain processes and interprets sound and speech, we can begin developing more effective hearing aids and better programs to help those with hearing loss to heighten speech recognition.

Stay tuned in 2017 for additional breakthroughs in the fundamental area of speech comprehension.

Hidden hearing loss can be present even in younger people who can pass a basic hearing test.

Research is ongoing that can enhance the precision of hearing testing and uncover hearing damage in young people, with consequences including better hearing protection, better workplace noise standards, and highly targeted medical treatments.

Finally, here are eight very good reasons to get a hearing test, published by Better Hearing Institute. There’s no better way to start the new year than by taking charge of your hearing health and making the most of all of the rewards of better hearing.

What did we leave out? What were your favorite stories of 2016?

Anna D.

"I can hear other people, and they don’t have to repeat themselves."

Anna D., Patient

Rosa W.

"I was so happy and impressed with the care I received. The staff is professional, friendly and relaxing."